Erika Tan, 2003
“The landscape of the Dean is littered with references to the past activities (ritualised behaviour) of the individuals and peoples living in and passing through the area from slag heaps, to roman open cast mines, ammunitions hide-outs, deep underground mines, drainage systems, forest paths, boundary markers, timber plantations, roads, canals, dumped burnt out cars, ponds and lakes made and maintained for various reasons. In-Situ explores the possibilities of intervening in or ‘augmenting’ and ‘enhancing’ nature, history, the social fabric of localised mythologies, and received narratives.” Erika Tan
In Situ by Erika Tan was completed in 2003. It comprises a series of industrial earthworks that have been enhanced to draw attention to the post-industrial landscape. Traces of circles on the ground, both planted and manipulated from the land, bronze casts of bamboo and planted clusters of this ‘aggressive’, fast-growing, non-indigenous plant emphasise the surrounding historic woodland and its ancient plantings of oak and beech, as well as more commercial conifers. Memories of landscape in Singapore are brought in by Tan and challenge our understanding of an English woodland.
Want help finding In Situ on the Trail?
Use the what3words location: goal.conqueror.zebra
About the Artist
Erika Tan studied Social Anthropology and Archaeology at Kings College, Cambridge; Film Directing at The Beijing Film Academy, followed by an M.A in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins School of Art, London. Her work has evolved from an interest in received narratives, contested heritage, subjugated voices and the transnational movements of ideas, people and things. Exhibitions include The Samsung Art Plus Prize, London (2011), There is No Road, LABoral, Spain (2010) and The Singapore Biennale (2006). Tan also jointly curates and project managers projects in association with Above:Below, and is a lecturer on the BA Fine Art course at Central Saint Martins School of Art. You can read more about the artist on her website: www.erikatan.net
